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Mayor Whitmire proclaims July 22 as Lily DeBose and Lily’s Toy Box Day in Houston
Summary
Mayor John Whitmire presented a proclamation recognizing Lily DeBose and Lily’s Toy Box for distributing more than 96,000 new toys to children affected by disasters and hardship and for operating a Houston warehouse and year‑round programs.
Mayor John Whitmire on Tuesday proclaimed July 22, 2025, “Lily DeBose and Lily’s Toy Box Day” in Houston, honoring the nonprofit’s work distributing toys to children affected by natural disasters, medical challenges and poverty.
The proclamation, read for the council by Council Member (Abby) Kamen, noted that Lily’s Toy Box began in 2017 after then‑8‑year‑old Lily DeBose said she wanted to help children impacted by Hurricane Harvey and has since grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit with a Houston warehouse and year‑round programming that the proclamation cites as delivering more than 96,000 brand‑new toys.
Lily DeBose, who accepted the proclamation, thanked the council and invited donations to Lily’s Toy Box. Council members offered personal remarks: Council Member Carter said he remembered supporting the effort when he ran the Astros Foundation, and others praised the group’s efforts to bring “joy, comfort and hope” to children experiencing hardship.
The presentation lasted only minutes and was ceremonial; no formal council action or funding was announced during the recognition.
"It's just a dream to be here and to make all these kids happy," DeBose told the council after accepting the proclamation.
The council moved on to other business following the photo opportunity and brief remarks.
